never understood why Don Garlits had that A-7 out there in front of his place in Ocalla

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I took a tour of the museum with a group of Iron Butt riders a few years ago (just before the annual IBA pizza party). One of the guys had arranged for Don Gartlis to be our tour guide. Don turned out to be a really neat, down-to-earth guy. He did a super job telling his story. Part of the "special" tour was a trip through his racing shop. One of the pics was taken there with the car that he used to break 300mph at 72 years old. He also explained the jet. He said that the Navy had been one of his biggest and best sponsors for many years. As a part of the sopnsorship deal, he made personal appearances at Navy bases all over the world. The jet was donated from Pensacola a result of that relationship with the navy. BTW, along with Don Gartlis, there are some notable LD riders in these pics including one guy who rode 1500 miles without stopping and a famous riding Grandma. Can you name them?

back when living in St pete I used to hit this place every couple years or so, never met Don you lucky stiff. speaking of stiff the as an engine man the tour of the engine room and the left overs from Smokey's shop always gave me wood Imagine some of these motor tweak out more then 5000 hp..